Household refrigerator and refrigeration apparatus for a household refrigerator

ABSTRACT

A refrigeration apparatus includes a self-contained refrigeration module having an at least largely complete refrigeration circuit for cooling a refrigeration chamber of a household refrigerator and having a separate housing. At least one evaporator is arranged in the refrigeration circuit, wherein the housing is provided with apertures for passage of air cooled by the evaporator and air to be cooled by the evaporator. The refrigeration apparatus can be used for a household refrigerator which includes a refrigerating chamber housing having at least one refrigerating chamber. A door leaf is arranged on the refrigerating chamber housing for closing the refrigerating chamber. The refrigerating chamber housing has apertures in communication with the apertures of the housing of the refrigeration module for passage of air cooled by the evaporator into the refrigerating chamber and for passage of air from the refrigerating chamber to the evaporator.

The invention relates to a household refrigerator and to a refrigeration apparatus for a household refrigerator.

Conventional household refrigerators have a carcass and a door which is attached to the carcass and by means of which a refrigerating chamber delimited by the carcass can be opened and closed. In order to cool the refrigerating chamber, conventional household refrigerators have a refrigeration circuit which generally comprises a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser and which extracts heat from the refrigerating chamber in order to release said heat to the environment of the household refrigerator. In most conventional household refrigerators the compressor is placed in the lower region of the carcass, the condenser is arranged adjacent to the compressor or fixed on the rear wall and the evaporator is housed within the refrigerating chamber. The evaporator is connected to the condenser and the compressor via connecting pipes in an insulating foam of the carcass. As a result of this type of design, the refrigeration circuit can only be filled and then closed in the production line, and subsequent repairs are relatively expensive.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,934 discloses a commercial freezer device having a housing with a front wall, two side walls and an intermediate wall. A top portion of the front wall and the side walls extend above the intermediate wall in order to define a compartment for accommodating a removable refrigeration module.

The object of the invention is to disclose a refrigeration apparatus of a household refrigerator that can be connected easily and in a modular manner to the housing of the household refrigerator.

The object of the invention is achieved by means of a refrigeration apparatus, in particular a refrigeration circuit module for a household refrigerator which is implemented as a self-contained refrigeration module having a complete refrigeration circuit for cooling a refrigeration chamber of the household refrigerator and having a separate housing in which at least one evaporator of the refrigeration circuit is arranged and comprises apertures through which passes air cooled by the evaporator and air to be cooled by the evaporator.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigerator comprising a refrigerating chamber housing having at least one refrigerating chamber on which there is arranged a door leaf for closing the refrigerating chamber, and to the refrigeration apparatus according to the invention, wherein the refrigerating chamber housing has apertures through which air cooled by the evaporator passes into the refrigerating chamber and air passes from the refrigerating chamber to the evaporator.

The household refrigerator according to the invention therefore comprises the refrigerating chamber housing which delimits the refrigerating chamber. The refrigerating chamber housing to which the door leaf for closing the refrigerating chamber is attached, is embodied in particular to be heat-insulating. However, in contrast to a conventional household refrigerator, the refrigeration apparatus is not installed in the refrigerating chamber housing, but rather is implemented as a separate refrigeration module which comprises the complete refrigeration circuit. In order that the air cooled by the evaporator can pass from the refrigeration module according to the invention into the refrigerating chamber, the refrigerating chamber housing and the housing of the refrigeration module have the apertures through which the cooled air can circulate between the refrigeration module and the refrigerating chamber.

Owing to the self-contained implementation of the refrigeration module, i.e. the modular design of the refrigeration apparatus according to the invention, it is possible that the refrigeration apparatus implemented as a refrigeration module can be relatively easily removed for the purpose of servicing operations, in order, for example, to be replaced with another refrigeration module. As a result it may not be necessary for the entire household refrigerator to be removed from the customer for repair or, as the case may be, the customer can immediately continue to use the household refrigerator thanks to the exchanged refrigeration module. In the event of a malfunction of the refrigeration apparatus provision is therefore made to ensure that the customer is caused only relatively little inconvenience. The refrigeration apparatus according to the invention can also be implemented such that the components thereof are relatively easily accessible for the service technician, and this has a positive effect on servicing costs.

As a rule, the soldering-together and subsequent leak-testing of the refrigeration circuit are the most labor-intensive operations in the production of refrigerators. Thanks to the modular design of the refrigeration apparatus according to the invention, this part of the household refrigerator can be produced in countries in which, for example, the rates of pay are relatively low, thereby creating conditions for the production of relatively low-cost household refrigerators.

The refrigeration module can preferably also comprise the entire control device for controlling the refrigeration circuit. As a result, the refrigeration module according to the invention can be more easily replaced by a further refrigeration module.

According to a preferred variant of the inventive refrigeration apparatus, it is provided that the refrigeration module is arranged on the refrigerating chamber housing, in particular that the refrigeration module is detachably fastened to the refrigerating chamber housing. Screws and/or a snap-fit connection, for example, are suitable as a detachable means of fastening. By virtue of this embodiment it is possible for the apertures of the refrigerating chamber housing and the apertures of the housing of the refrigeration module to be implemented in alignment, with the result that heat loss can be reduced during the circulation of the air between the refrigerating chamber and the refrigeration module.

Preferably, the refrigeration module can be arranged on the outside of the cover of the refrigerating chamber housing, in particular detachably fastened on the cover of the refrigeration chamber housing. This embodiment allows a relatively easily detachable fastening of the refrigeration module according to the invention on the refrigerating chamber housing. In order for the apertures of the housing of the refrigeration module to be aligned where appropriate with the apertures in the cover of the refrigerating chamber housing, for this variant, the apertures of the refrigeration module are preferably arranged in the base of the housing.

The evaporator can be oriented substantially horizontally.

According to a variant of the inventive refrigeration apparatus, a channel is provided in which the evaporator is arranged and which extends as far as the apertures of the housing. This embodiment results in relatively good circulation of the air between the evaporator and the refrigerating chamber.

The refrigeration module can have a condensation water collecting tray which is assigned to the evaporator for collecting any condensation water produced during operation of the evaporator.

In order to increase the circulation of the air between the evaporator and the refrigerating chamber, the refrigeration module can have a ventilator which is assigned to the evaporator and blows cooled air through one of the apertures of the housing into the refrigerating chamber and/or draws in air from the refrigerating chamber through one of the apertures of the housing. The ventilator can be arranged in particular between the evaporator and the aperture through which the ventilator blows the cold air into the refrigerating chamber. Where appropriate the ventilator may be arranged in the channel in which the evaporator is also arranged.

According to one variant of the inventive refrigerator, the housing has a chamber which is in particular heat-insulating, in which the evaporator is arranged and in which the apertures of the housing end. The housing can then have a further chamber in which a condenser of the refrigeration circuit is arranged and which includes in particular a further aperture through which air heated by the condenser is released to the environment outside the housing. This embodiment permits a relatively compact implementation of the refrigeration apparatus according to the invention. It is also possible for all the components of the refrigeration circuit to be arranged within the housing and accordingly be protected against damage.

The two chambers can be separated by a heat-insulating separating wall. This creates preconditions such that the colder part of the refrigeration apparatus, i.e. the chamber in which the evaporator is arranged, is separated from the warmer part of the refrigeration apparatus, i.e. the chamber in which the condenser is arranged, by a heat-insulating means, as a result of which heat losses can be reduced.

A compressor of the refrigeration circuit and/or a further ventilator which blows the air heated by the condenser through the further aperture to the environment outside the housing can be arranged in the further chamber. In this way it is possible for the heat generated by the condenser to be reliably released to the environment.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the attached schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a household refrigerator having a refrigeration module,

FIGS. 2 and 3 show side views of the refrigeration module, and

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the refrigeration module.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a household refrigerator 1 in section. The household refrigerator 1 is, for example, a household refrigerating appliance or a household freezing appliance having a heat-insulating refrigerating chamber housing 2 which comprises two side walls, a base 3, a rear wall 4 and a cover 5 and which delimits a refrigerating chamber 6. Attached to the refrigerator chamber housing 2 is a door leaf 7 which, depending on the door position, closes the refrigerating chamber 6 or opens said chamber in order, for example, to allow refrigerated items to be stored and removed. In the refrigerating chamber 6 it is possible to arrange, for example, compartments or drawers for receiving the refrigerated items. Door shelves can be arranged on the inside of the door leaf 7.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the household refrigerator 1 has a refrigeration module 10 which has a housing 11, separate from the refrigerating chamber housing 2, in which a complete refrigeration circuit 12 including a control device 13 for controlling the refrigeration circuit 12 is arranged. The control device 13 comprises, for example, suitable electronics. Side views in sectional representations of the refrigeration module 10 are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the refrigeration module 10.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the housing 11 of the refrigeration module 10 has two side walls 14, a front wall 15, a rear wall 16, a base 17 and a cover 18. Provided in the interior of the housing 11 is a separating wall 19 which divides the interior of the housing 11 into two chambers 20, 21 in which components of the refrigeration circuit 12 are arranged.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, a compressor 22 and, connected to the compressor 22, a condenser 23 of the refrigeration circuit 12 are arranged in the first chamber 20 in addition to a first ventilator 24 and the control device 13 of the refrigeration module 10. The control device 13 is connected in a manner not shown to the first ventilator 24 and the compressor 22 and controls said ventilator and compressor such that said control device switches the ventilator 24 and/or the compressor 22 on and off as necessary.

During operation of the refrigeration circuit 12, the condenser 23 generates heat which the first ventilator 24 blows as necessary through an aperture 25 in the front wall 15 to the environment.

Arranged in the second chamber 21 are a horizontally oriented heat exchanger 26 connected to the compressor 22 and comprising a plurality of pipe loops, and an evaporator 27 of the refrigeration circuit 12 which is oriented substantially horizontally, located beneath the heat exchanger 26 and connected to the heat exchanger 26. The evaporator 27 is in turn connected to the condenser 23 in order to close the refrigeration circuit 12.

During operation of the refrigeration circuit 12, the evaporator 27 cools the air surrounding said evaporator, as is generally known. The air in the interior of the second chamber 21 is therefore colder than the air of the first chamber 20. At least in the region of the second chamber 21, the rear wall 16, the front wall 15, the base 17, the relevant side wall 14 and the cover 18 of the housing 11 are embodied as heat-insulating, for example through the use of insulating foam. The separating wall 19 which separates the first chamber 20 from the second chamber 21 is embodied as heat-insulating, for example through the use of insulating foam.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment it is provided that the refrigeration module 10 is placed on the cover 5 of the refrigerating chamber housing 2 and, in particular, is detachably fastened on the cover 5 of the refrigeration chamber housing 2. The detachable connection between the refrigeration module 10 and the refrigerating chamber housing 2 is realized, for example, by means of screws, in particular by means of eccentric screws 28, or by means of a snap-fit connection.

In order that the air cooled by the evaporator 27 can pass from the second chamber 21 of the refrigeration module 10 into the refrigerating chamber 6, in the case of the present exemplary embodiment the base 17 of the refrigeration module 10 has apertures in the region of the second chamber 21, for example, a suction gap 29 arranged close to the front wall 15 or the door leaf 7 and an expulsion gap 30 arranged close to the rear wall 16, which are aligned with corresponding apertures, in particular slits 31, of the cover 5 of the refrigerating chamber housing 2.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the evaporator 27 is arranged in a channel 32 which ends with one of the ends thereof at the suction gap 29 and with the other end thereof at an expulsion gap 30. Provided between the evaporator 27 and the expulsion gap 30 is a condensation water collecting tray 33 which collects any condensation water potentially produced during operation of the refrigeration circuit 12.

Furthermore, in the case of the present exemplary embodiment, there is provided in the second chamber 21, in the region of the expulsion gap 30, a second ventilator 34 which is connected in a manner not shown to the control device 13 in order to be switched on and off thereby as necessary. The second ventilator 34 if necessary assists the circulation of cold air between the second chamber 21 of the refrigeration module 10 and the refrigeration chamber 6.

A temperature sensor 35 which is connected to the control device 13 of the refrigeration module 10 via a simple protected plug-in connection (not shown in more detail) arranged, for example, on the cover 5 of the refrigerating chamber housing 2 can be disposed in the refrigerating chamber 6, and the output signal thereof used by the control device 13 for temperature regulation of the refrigerating chamber 6. A further plug-in connection or a combination plug could possibly be used for interior illumination of the refrigerating chamber 6. The electrical connection could also be established by means of so-called cableless appliance panel plugs. 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a self-contained refrigeration module having an at least largely complete refrigeration circuit for cooling a refrigeration chamber of a household refrigerator and including a separate housing; and at least one evaporator arranged in the refrigeration circuit, wherein the housing comprises apertures for passage of air cooled by the evaporator and air to be cooled by the evaporator.
 17. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 16, constructed in the form of a refrigeration circuit module for a household refrigerator,
 18. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the housing of the refrigeration module has a base, said apertures being provided in the base.
 19. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the evaporator is oriented substantially horizontally.
 20. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the evaporator is arranged in a channel which extends to the apertures of the housing.
 21. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the refrigeration module has a condensation water collecting tray assigned to the evaporator for collecting condensation water.
 22. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the refrigeration module has a ventilator assigned to the evaporator to blow cooled air through one of the apertures of the housing and to draw in air through one of the apertures of the housing.
 23. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the housing has a first chamber in which the evaporator is arranged and in which the apertures end.
 24. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 23, wherein the first chamber is heat-insulated.
 25. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a condenser arranged in the refrigeration circuit, said housing having a second chamber in which the condenser is arranged.
 26. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 25, wherein the second chamber comprises a further aperture for passage of air heated by the condenser to the environment outside the housing.
 27. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 25, further comprising a heat-insulating separating wall for separating the first and second chambers, and a compressor arranged in the refrigeration circuit in the second chamber.
 28. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a ventilator arranged in the second chamber, said ventilator blowing air heated by the condenser through the further aperture to the environment outside the housing.
 29. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the refrigeration module has a complete control device for controlling the refrigeration circuit.
 30. A household refrigerator, comprising a refrigerating chamber housing having at least one refrigerating chamber; a door leaf arranged on the refrigerating chamber housing for closing the refrigerating chamber; and a refrigeration apparatus comprising a self-contained refrigeration module having an at least largely complete refrigeration circuit for cooling a refrigeration chamber of a household refrigerator and including a separate housing, and at least one evaporator arranged in the refrigeration circuit, wherein the housing comprises apertures for passage of air cooled by the evaporator and air to be cooled by the evaporator, wherein the refrigerating chamber housing has apertures in communication with the apertures of the housing of the refrigeration module for passage of air cooled by the evaporator into the refrigerating chamber and for passage of air from the refrigerating chamber to the evaporator.
 31. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the refrigerating chamber housing has a cover, said apertures of the refrigerating chamber housing being provided in the cover.
 32. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the apertures of the housing of the refrigeration module are aligned with the apertures of the refrigerating chamber housing.
 33. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the refrigeration module is arranged on the refrigerating chamber housing of the household refrigerator.
 34. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the refrigeration module is detachably fastened on the refrigerating chamber housing.
 35. The household refrigerator of claim 34, wherein the refrigeration module is detachably fastened on the refrigerating chamber housing by at least one of a screw connection and snap-fit connection.
 36. The household refrigerator of claim 31, wherein the refrigeration module is arranged on the outside of the cover of the refrigerating chamber housing.
 37. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the housing of the refrigeration module has a base, said apertures of the housing being provided in the base.
 38. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the evaporator is oriented substantially horizontally.
 39. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the evaporator is arranged in a channel which extends to the apertures of the housing.
 40. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the refrigeration module has a condensation water collecting tray assigned to the evaporator for collecting condensation water.
 41. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the refrigeration module has a ventilator assigned to the evaporator to blow cooled air through one of the apertures of the housing and to draw in air through one of the apertures of the housing.
 42. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the housing has a first chamber in which the evaporator is arranged and in which the apertures of the housing end.
 43. The household refrigerator of claim 42, wherein the first chamber is heat-insulated.
 44. The household refrigerator of claim 42, further comprising a condenser arranged in the refrigeration circuit, said housing having a second chamber in which the condenser is arranged.
 45. The household refrigerator of claim 44, wherein the second chamber comprises a further aperture for passage of air heated by the condenser to the environment outside the housing.
 46. The household refrigerator of claim 44, further comprising a heat-insulating separating wall for separating the first and second chambers, and a compressor arranged in the refrigeration circuit in the second chamber.
 47. The household refrigerator of claim 45, further comprising a ventilator arranged in the second chamber, said ventilator blowing air heated by the condenser through the further aperture to the environment outside the housing.
 48. The household refrigerator of claim 30, wherein the refrigeration module has a complete control device for controlling the refrigeration circuit. 